February 2000
After the bliss of the honeymoon was over, it was back to business with a new captain at the helm. One of the first things Tony did as CEO was to promote Ginnie out of the accounting department. He would have made her CFO if he could but he couldn't get rid of Obadiah without issue. Instead, he made her his Executive Personal Assistant. Ginnie initially balked at the title stating that she was not going to be his secretary. Tony countered her very quickly on that one. He had a secretary and a damn good one at that and he had no idea what he would do when Mary retired. Ginnie was more of an adviser. Tony knew his strengths were in making and designing things that blew up and Ginnie had a head for business and since his father did not make his new daughter-in-law CEO, Tony knew better than to ignore her advice.
Not only did the new year bring an increase in business duties but unexpected but not unwelcome news. Ginnie discovered that she was pregnant. Tony and Ginnie were over the moon thrilled to find out that they were having a baby but kept it pretty quiet at first. They had only told Tony's parents and Rhodey immediately and were waiting until the second trimester to spread the news to the collective world.
At the ten week doctor's appointment, Tony and Ginnie were so happy when they were able to hear the rapid whooshing noise of the baby's heartbeat. But things can change in a blink of an eye and not always for the best.
It had been starting out to be a right hellish week at work with back to back meetings from everyone from Oscorp to the Department of Defense. Tony and Ginnie barely had a chance to breathe never mind relax. By Wednesday they were nearly ready to collapse when they got home. All day long,Ginnie had been feeling some cramping – mild at first but enough to take notice. She had tried to sit more and take it easy and chalking it up to stress. By five in the evening, Ginnie was just run down and was easily able to convince Tony to call it a day so they could go home.
By the time they had made the ninety minute drive back to Long Island, the cramping had become more uncomfortable; uncomfortable enough to warrant a call to Ginnie's doctor. The doctor told her to lay down and try to relax. If things continued to worsen to call again. Ginnie got a glass of water and went up to the bedroom to try to take a nap while Tony put JARVIS on high alert.
A few hours later, Ginnie awoke feeling a bit nauseated which was not uncommon for the first trimester but the cramping was still there. She slowly got up and made her way into the bathroom just in case she needed to throw up. As she sat on the floor by the toilet, Ginnie noticed some blood on the inside of her thighs and she screamed for Tony.
Tony heard Ginnie scream and he nearly flew up the stairs from his workshop. When he found her in the bathroom bleeding heavily, he nearly stopped breathing. "JARVIS, call an ambulance!" he screamed out as he gathered Ginnie into his arms.
"Already done, sir. They are en route and should arrive within minutes."
As Tony picked Ginnie up, she laid her head on his shoulder and could not help but start crying. "Tony...the baby..."
"We're getting you to the hospital," was all Tony could say as he carried her downstairs just as the ambulance was pulling into the driveway.
Tony laid Ginnie on the stretcher but kept a hold of her hand. The EMTs were trying to tell him to follow behind them.
"I am not leaving her. I'll worry about getting back later," Tony told them as he climbed in the back of the ambulance. There was no way in hell that he was leaving her side.
As the ambulance sped off, Ginnie painfully rolled on to her side so she could face Tony. "What if we lose the baby?" she stated as tears rolled down her face.
"Don't think about that," Tony replied but in truth he was scared out of his mind of that very question.
Upon reaching the emergency room, Tony was pushed back by the various doctors and nurses as they were trying to assess Ginnie's condition.
"We have a twenty-six year old female, approximately eleven weeks pregnant with heavy cramping and bleeding. Get an ultrasound machine over here and several units of blood STAT," the doctor called out while she was was assessing Ginnie. "Virginia, I know this is frightening at the moment but I will need to do an internal exam to see if you are dilating."
Ginnie nodded her consent. "Where's my husband?"
The doctor slipped two fingers inside of Ginnie and her face fell. "Bring her husband over," she said solemnly.
A nurse grabbed Tony and his stomach came into his throat when he saw the doctor's face. "What's going on?"
The doctor sighed. "I am sorry to tell you this but unfortunately the pregnancy is in the beginning stages of a miscarriage," she told them. "Now, we have two options. We can let your wife pass the fetus naturally or we can do it faster and complete the process surgically."
Ginnie has tears streaming down her face as she heard this. "Is the baby's heart still beating?" she asked cautiously as she held on to Tony's hand, trying to draw strength from him.
The doctor shook her head no. "I'm sorry but no. I know this seems rushed but how do you want to proceed?" she asked looking between Tony and Ginnie.
Tony wasn't making this decision without Ginnie's opinion. "What are the risks?"
"If we let her body continue the process naturally, it could take several more hours to complete...just the same as if she was giving birth to a full term child. We also will need to be concerned with blood loss since your wife is already hemorrhaging. If we do a dilation and curettage, we can minimize blood loss and unnecessary pain but we need to act quickly."
Tony turned to Ginnie as he rested his head on hers. "It's your call."
By now, the tears were unstoppable. The baby was already gone. "Surgery," Ginnie stated shakily between sobs.
The doctor nodded. "That's what we need. Prep Mrs. Stark for a D & C. Mr. Stark...there's a waiting room..."
"I want to be with her," Tony interrupted as he held Ginnie tight to him.
The doctor looked at him and seemed there was no room for discussion, even if she refused. "We'll get her prepped and then you can come in," the doctor explained as she signaled the orderly to take Ginnie into the waiting operating room. Tony didn't let go of her hand until the last second and then he waited directly outside the door.
Forty-five minutes had passed before a nurse came to get Tony. "We had to put your wife under general anesthetic for her safety. This is an unusual situation right now so you need to follow my directions. As you come in, wash and put on the gown over your clothes. Stay by your wife's head and if there are any complications, you will be asked to leave. Understood?"
"I got it," Tony agreed as he made quick work of the instructions given to him. "Is she okay?"
"She will be," the nurse said before ushering Tony into the operating room.
The bright white and freezing operating room sent a chill down Tony's spine for more reasons that just the cold. It was getting harder to hold it together as it was and he nearly lost it when he saw Ginnie unconscious on the table. He swallowed hard and held her hand as the doctors went to work. Tony never let go of Ginnie's hand and even though she was unconscious, he kept telling her how much he loved her.
An hour later it was done and Ginnie was being taken to recovery. Before he left the room, a nurse stopped Tony. "What would you like to do with the remains?"
Tony was in shock by the question at first. It was still sinking in that their child, even though they had not met it yet, was gone. "Is cremation possible?" he asked in a voice void of emotion.
The nurse nodded. "We'll have it taken care of for you. We're sorry for your loss."
Tony nodded to her and followed Ginnie down to recovery. She was just coming out of the anesthetic and the sense of loss and grief hit her like a ton of bricks. She held on to Tony and sobbed for the child they lost. It was only through exhaustion that Ginnie finally fell asleep. It was only after Ginnie fell asleep did Tony finally let himself feel what had happened. As he slid into a chair in Ginnie's room, the wall of strength that he had built around himself for Ginnie shattered and the grief and sadness that he had been holding at bay since the ambulance finally over took Tony. Violent sobs ripped him to his core for the baby they had lost.
As the sun rose in the morning, it shone brightly through Ginnie's hospital room window, waking her up. She opened her eyes and shifted, looking for Tony. She watched him sitting at the small table absently doodling on a napkin.
"Did you sleep at all?" she asked him as she watched his hands.
Tony shook his head before turning toward the sound of Ginnie's voice. The dark shadows and bloodshot eyes spoke volumes. "How are you feeling?"
"A little sore," Ginnie replied as she sat up. "What are you drawing?"
Tony handed the napkin to Ginnie. "It's a memorial garden. I'm much better with schematics and technical designs but you can get the idea. I was thinking a couple of cedar trees because they represent healing, cleansing and protection and they are usually used for plantings for the birth or death of a loved one. I also thought of a a waterfall and some flowers but I'll need a landscaper for those."
Ginnie felt tears well up in her eyes as a small smile ghosted over her lips. "It's beautiful. It's too bad we won't have anything actually of the baby to put there."
"We will," Tony interjected only to receive a look of confusion from Ginnie. "They asked me what we wanted done and I told them cremation so if we want we can place the ashes under the trees."
Ginnie nodded as she wiped the tears away. "That's a beautiful idea," she said smiling. "Have you told anyone yet?"
"It was too late last night," Tony stated sadly as he pulled out his phone. "I never thought I would have to make a call like this," he added as he started to dial. As it rang, tears welled up in his eyes again. When the phone was picked up, Tony was a bit grateful that it was his mother who answered first. "Hi mom," he almost whispered as his voice cracked with tears he could not hide.
"Tony, what's wrong?" Maria responded. A mother always knows when her child is in pain.
Tony swallowed hard. "We're at the hospital..."
"What happened?" Maria interjected as a bit of fear crept into her voice as soon as she heard 'hospital.'
Tony tried to hold back a sob before he spoke but he failed. "We lost the baby last night."
Maria gasped slightly as she called Howard over. "Tony, I'm so sorry. How's Ginnie? Can we do anything to help?"
"She's physically as fine as can be expected," he replied. "We actually do need a few favors. We came by ambulance last night and she's being discharged this afternoon..."
"Tony, we can gladly come and get you," Maria interrupted before her son could finish. "Do you need anything from your house before you leave?"
"Ginnie will need something to change into. Just state who you are at the voice panel of the house and JARVIS will open the door for you," Tony explained. "Is Dad there?"
"Of course, Tony," his mother replied as she handed the phone to Howard.
"What do you need, Tony?" Howard asked full of concern after what his wife had just told him.
Tony swallowed hard. "I need sort of a big favor," he started. "I'll need to take a few days off to help Ginnie if necessary and I have a shit load of meetings that I can't reschedule..."
"Obadiah is there. Can't he handle them for you?" Howard interrupted.
"Dad, you know full well how well he and I get along. I can't trust him to do that. I was wondering if you could step in for a few days?"
Howard was a little surprised by the request. "I think I can do that. I'm sure Mary can fill me in. You just take care of your wife."
Tony sniffed. "Thanks Dad," he stated. "Can you tell Mom that we'll see her this afternoon?"
"Of course. Tell Ginnie we both love her," Howard said before hanging up.
Tony hung up and then sent a text to Rhodey to have him call him as soon as he got the chance and then set his phone on the table.
"Why don't you try to get some sleep? You look like you're about to fall over," Ginnie suggested when she watched Tony try to stretch out his back from the chair.
"I'll sleep this afternoon when we get home. I'll just go downstairs and get some crappy coffee from the cafe and I'll be fine until then."
It was a bit after lunch when Maria was finally able to get to the hospital. She knocked quietly before opening the door to Ginnie's room. She found Tony and Ginnie together in the hospital bed watching TV. "I'm sorry it took me so long but it seemed as if JARVIS had to give me the third degree."
Tony had to laugh a bit. "I'll fix him when we get home. It won't take long."
"Tony, why don't you see to the details of getting Ginnie checked out of here and bring the car around while I help your wife," Maria suggested as she tossed the keys to her son.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Tony asked.
"Yes," Maria stated quickly. "Now, go."
"I get the hint when I know I'm not wanted," Tony joked as he left the room.
Once Tony was gone, Maria turned to Ginnie. "How are you doing?"
"Physically, a little sore," Ginnie started. "Emotionally, I feel like I'm missing something."
"I completely understand," Maria said gently as she sat down next to Ginnie. "Tony wasn't supposed to be an only child. He should have been the youngest of three."
Ginnie's eyes showed her immediate understanding. "How did you get through it?"
"Time and normalcy," Maria responded. "Unlike what I heard from Tony this morning, Howard was very distant and just kept going with day to day. So I grieved in my own way and followed his example. For each person, it's different. I know how happy you both were when you found out. I know many will say this but in time, you will heal, maybe try again but you never forget what was lost."
Ginnie wiped her eyes for what seemed like the millionth time before hugging Maria in gratitude.
"Now, let's get you cleaned up before Tony gets back."
Maria didn't hang around after dropping Tony and Ginnie back at home. She knew well enough that they need the time to themselves to get through this.
Tony and Ginnie thanked her and went inside, both exhausted from the ordeal. After each of them took a shower, Tony threw on his MIT sweatshirt and a pair of pajama pants while Ginnie found some comfortable flannels to wear, they were able to get comfortable in their own bed.
"JARVIS, kill the shades, lock the doors and forward all calls to voice mail," Tony commanded his A.I.
"As you wish, sir," JARVIS replied. "Do you require anything else?"
"Yeah, throw on a movie for us...something funny. No rom-coms," Tony added as he relaxed against the pillows with Ginnie laying on his chest.
JARVIS chose Trading Places for their viewing pleasure and Tony was out cold before the opening credits had finished. Ginnie smiled when she heard Tony snoring and she relaxed as well. She made it a bit longer than Tony but by no means made the end of the movie.
By Monday, normalcy was taking over as Tony rode the elevator up to his office in Stark Industries. He walked through the door and made his secretary jump when he said hello.
"Good morning, Mr. Stark. I wasn't expecting you today," Mary said quickly. "How's your wife?"
"Doing better. She'll be back tomorrow. Would you mind getting me some coffee?"
Mary smiled. "It's not a problem, sir."
Tony thanked her and walked into his office, giving his father the same jolt that he gave his secretary.
"Tony, what are you doing here?" Howard asked, surprised as he got up from the desk and hugged his son.
"My job I hope unless you're taking it back from me," Tony replied.
Howard shook his head and vacated the desk. "I wouldn't dream of taking it back. You're doing some good things here. Doesn't Ginnie need you at home?"
Tony smiled as he took his seat and Mary brought in his coffee and his schedule for the day. "I think I started driving her a little nuts. Yesterday, she told me to go down to my workshop to find something to do to keep me out of trouble. Anyway, she's going out with Mom today. I overheard something about girl bonding."
Howard laughed at Tony needing to be kept out of trouble until he heard Maria and Ginnie were together. "Did you hear what was on the agenda?"
"I tuned out for most of it but I did hear hair, nails, spas and shopping," Tony replied.
"Please tell me they're staying on the island," Howard wished.
Tony shook his head as he leaned back in his chair. "Not a chance, Dad. I heard Manhattan."
Howard mouthed a quick 'shit' before turning back to his son. "What credit card is she using?"
"Mom's final words that I heard was 'It's good to be Mrs. Howard Stark,'" Tony stated. "Are you sure that retirement package was enough?"
"Not so much now, son."
